The Sign of the Burger: McDonald's and the Culture of Power (Labor in Crisis)
by Joe L. Kincheloe
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 May, 2002)
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Reviews (2)

full of incomprehensible jargon, inaccuracies, & arrogance
This book exemplifies why I tend to stay away from "critical studies" (or whatever academic current this represents).Written by a professor in an obscure vocabulary that reeks of self-appointed elitism, it develops a convoluted argument against McDonald's as a cultural force that is subverting the polticial process in America and even the world. He claims that a burger is not just a burger, but instead eating one is a political act and even a religious ritual without offering anything in support of such claims except his weird academic discipline.

While I find much of value in such radical critiques as No Logo or Fast Food Nation, which in spite of their excesses explore very worthy questions, this book is simply off the deep end.Even worse, though the author claims he has done field research in conversations with people queueing at McDonald's, the book is really pure academic indulgence in the form of an incestuous group that reads and supports eachothers' writing - and perpetuates a common vacabulary.

These views are so outrageously silly and incoherent that it is hard to believe someone can make a living by writing - and teaching - about it.For example, he argues that in enticing kids into the McDo world, the company is decisively damaging the child-parent relationship because kids will nag their parents to get burgers.Well, my kids do, but we set limits on them anyway - once a week or less - and they forget about it immediately.What is the big deal about that?

Moreover, the author is baffled that the people he interviews in line get angry when he implies they don't get the dangerous "politics" behind the act of getting a burger, ie support of a global capitalist system, etc etc.Gosh, maybe they are just in a hurry and don't want to listen to the weird trip that some high-fallutin intellectual tries to impose in them.Why, I wonder, can't a person just like the burgers without becoming a sop to "hegemonistic" big capital?Afterall, the ultimate consumer control is just deciding not to buy them - and lots of us do so.Whether he likes it or not, that option exists.

I wish I could say that I learned something useful from this book, but I didn't.Instead, I waded through such phrases as:"When consumers are in hermeneutic freefall, they are set up for advertisers poised to insert corporate consumption values into the vacuum left by the dissolution of previous beliefs."If this guy is trying to connect to the public, he's got a LONG way to go.

If I could put his argument in a nutshell, it is that McDonald's is both a ("modernist") corporation that seeks operational efficiency with ruthless rationality and a ("post-modernist") manufacturer of culture that speaks to our unconscious needs.In a confusing age ("hyperreality"), he argues, the company strives to be a place of stability and value for customers that fills an existential gap in their lives.By extension, he claims, just going there co-opts us all into its "hegeomonistic ideology" of global capitalism and hence is inherently political.This is strong stuff with a ton of questionable assumptions built in.

The author never, so far as I can tell, approached anyone inside of McDonald's - the supposed evil cabal that is seeking to dominate the world through the insidious exploitation of our children - preferring instead to create the most ridiculous of caricatures.For example, he claims that McDo's early managers were supposed to be uniform anti-intellectual automatons, that Ronald McDonald is actually a reflection of Ray Kroc's right-wing ideology, etc.This type of analysis is not only inaccurate - Kroc preferred diversity of opinion and cultivated it - but it is about as sophisticated as a maoist comic book.

The factual inaccuracies are also legion, such as the author's claim that Kroc hired only men as managers - one of his key executives from the beginning was a woman - or even the date that Kroc gained complete control.While these are details, they signal a sloppiness with how he deals with the company that should make the careful reader suspicious.

At the heart of all of this, in my view, Kincheloe confuses riding the wave of economic forces with the underlieing causes of socio-economic transformation.McDo rode the wave of suburbanization and the development of industrial-style fast food - it didn't invent the wave, yet it exploited it better than did the other fast food chains.It does have an impact on our culture, to be sure, but I don't think its influence is much larger than deciding to buy a burger once a week or once a day.Furthermore, there is an unproven assumption that once set in childhood, eating patterns will never change.Again, this pathetically exagerates the impact of the company:I used to eat a burger a day, and now I don't.I bet there are a lot of people like me - our tastes evolve. Duh.

However, what the author totally misses, in my opinion, is that McDo is in fact a relatively responsive corporation that is learning to listen to its critics.It is beginning to work with some NGOs and corporate watchdogs, and will evolve.Sure, a lot of it may be enlightened self interest, but would it be better if the company ignored its critics?I think that how McDo responds to situations is more than just cynical ploys to fend off lawsuits, though I suspect that that opinion is too nuanced for those who want simple enemies.THere are people who care in the company - it is not a monolith of greedy exploiters of children as Kincheloe would have us belive, but a living institution that can strive to change for the better.Why should we not take the company at its word, that is, look at what it says it is trying to do and then make it live up to those ideals?While many would regard this as naively optimistic, the only thing I have to say is that as a reporter I have observed that such corporations do exist and I believe that McDonald's is striving to be one of them.That doesn't mean these companies always do the right thing and that things shouldn't be better, but there are smart people in them who want to and are working within the system to change them - they can be allies to corporate critics, if we choose to work with them rather than automatically against them.

So, I would not recommend this book.Look elsewhere for useful critiques of capitalism and burger empires.THere are many books far more worthy of thoughtful examination.

The best book in cultural studies and labor
This book is a refreshing break from the self-indulgent prattle of cultural studies.Taking an autobiographical theme, blending it with a bricolage of good research, the author looks at the power behind the McDonald's corporation.Examining the hegemonic implications of McDonald's, Kincheloe never ceases to entertain, teach,and create the best page-turner of the year--read this book if you are interested in consumer colonialism. ... Read more

Isbn: 1566399327
Sales Rank: 331262
Subjects:  1. Anthropology - Cultural    2. Business & Economics    3. Business/Economics    4. Consumer Behavior - General    5. Consumer behavior    6. Corporate & Business History - General    7. Fast food restaurants    8. Labor    9. McDonald's Corporation    10. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    11. Restaurant management    12. Social aspects    13. Sociology - General   

McDonald's : Behind The Arches
by JOHN F. LOVE
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 July, 1995)
list price: $17.00 -- our price: $11.56
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Reviews (22)

a solid job
You know how there have been some searing indictments of McDonald's in the last few years, ranging from "Fast Food Nation" to that movie "Supersize Me"?

Well, this book ain't in that category.

Not that this is an OFFICIAL biography of McDonald's or anything, no.It's just that the author is a little too professional to get into the kind of vicious nitpicking that you might expect, given recent lurid developments (obesity lawsuits, bombings of McDonald's, etc.).

No, this book is more of a mature, considered chronicle of the overall health and strategy of the corporation as a whole than a series of cheap take-downs.

True, Love does criticize McDonald's from time to time, but it's not in particularly vicious terms.For example, in the later chapters, he analyzes in some depth the company's ill-fated diversification strategy in the early 90s.He also happily delves into several of Kroc's kooky, doomed ideas.

Unfortunately, many of the "minor hiccoughs" in the company's recent history (e.g., that French farmer that raised a ruckus, that British couple who have devoted their lives to taking them down) are so well-known and fascinating that their absence is keenly felt.And what interesting reading they would have made, given Love's scholarship and even-handedness.

So, while Love is willing, from time to time, to cast a negative light on McDonald's, for the most part the book is a straight macroeconomic history by a man who obviously admires but is not overly-reverential of one of the world's greatest corporations.

If you find that to your liking, you will certainly declare the book an entertaining and useful read -- especially if you're stuck having to write a serious, no-nonsense paper about the chain's corporate strategy, say for a business class.

Want to start a business - here's the inspiration
The book is fantasticly well researched and shares with you the full story of how Ray Kroc built the restaurant chain. I must say that especially now during the times of obecedy and the Atkins Diet - I got to respect the hamburger guys (again). The concept and strategy of Mcdonalds and the execution of the strategy is an amazing study on how to run a business.
Go get a job at a McDonalds for a while in order to get the complete picture. Anyway in this book will be inspiration that if you mix it with some basic economics you will have a good platform to run or even to build a new business - also beyond the fast food industry. You can get it used for 3 bucks - buy one for your best freind as well.

Made me crave french fries............
I read and enjoyed Fast Food Nation a few years ago and wanted to read more about McDonalds as a corporation that began quite modestly and is now an internationally recognized symbol.This book while critical at times is far less disparaging than Fast Food Nation.

From a business perspective this book offers insight into managemnt, advertising, product development and expansion.I admit I skimmed the long passages on fanchising.The best parts are those describing the fateful meeting of the McDonalds brothers and Ray Kroc who took their idea of trasty, well produced fast food and spun into a national phenomenon.

I enjoyed the chapter dealing with how McDonalds made its foray into the international market as well as how new products were developed.The best ideas came from the franchisees.Kroc was convinced little poundcakes would be top sellers and also introduced a "Hula Burger" of cheese and pineapple ?!?The idea of a chicken entree was oringinally to be a deep fried chicken pie and the mcnuggets began as onion bits deep fried.

It was interesting to read and I liked seeing the evolution of a corporation. ... Read more

Isbn: 0553347594
Sales Rank: 86420
Subjects:  1. 1902-    2. Biography    3. Business / Economics / Finance    4. Business/Economics    5. Corporate & Business History - General    6. History Of Specific Companies    7. Kroc, Ray,    8. McDonald's Corporation    9. Restaurateurs    10. United States    11. Business & Economics / General    12. Kroc, Ray   

McDonalds Collectibles: Identification & Values (Mcdonalds Collectibles)
by Gary Henriques Audre Duvall Audre Du Vall
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 May, 2001)
list price: $24.95 -- our price: $16.47
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Reviews (1)

Fantastic book for McDonalds Collectors
This book is a must for McDonalds collectors!The photos and descriptions have been a great asset to me in cataloguing my collection of McDonalds toys.An absolutely fabulous book! ... Read more

Isbn: 1574322230
Sales Rank: 210520
Subjects:  1. Antiques    2. Antiques & Collectibles    3. Antiques / Collectibles    4. Antiques/Collectibles    5. Catalogs    6. Collectibles    7. Collectors and collecting    8. Lunchboxes    9. McDonald's Corporation    10. Popular Culture    11. Premiums (Retail trade)    12. Reference - Price Guides    13. Toy Arts And Crafts    14. Toys    15. United States   

Grinding It Out: The Making of McDonald's
by Ray Kroc Robert Anderson
Average Customer Review:
Mass Market Paperback (01 July, 1990)
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Reviews (13)

Kroc on Kroc for Kroc
This is the autobiography of one of the great entrepreneurs of the 20C.If only for that, it is worth the read of anyone who is interested in understanding business or the fast-food industry.For all his earthy common sense and lack of formal education, the system that Kroc set up can only be described as a work of genius.Afterall, MCdonald's at the moment has surpassed Coca Cola as the most recognized brand in the world:it serves nearly 45 million people every day, commands unparalelled influence in every related industry, and often serves as the symbol of the US itself.

THe great strength of this book is that you get Kroc's view of what makes himself tick:he devoted himself relentlessly to a single business purpose within the capitalist system, was open to suggestions from talent that he cultivated regarding that purpose, and adapted it as he needed to thrive.It is a remarkable story of a man who re-made himself many times, and began what became the McDonald's corporation in his 50s!You simply have to respect what he accomplished at a time when most men would have given up.

The pillars of his business model are well known:1) it is more an ecosystem of separate companies that grow together with long-term bonds of trust and the highest standards of professional conduct; 2) it pursues operational efficiency while refusing to compromise safety and cleanliness; 3) it is adept at finding innovations pioneered by both its suppliers and owner-operators and then disseminating them into the system; 4) it sticks to its core competency - hamburger and fries - and with few exceptions listens to consumers.That is about it, really, in an idealist version, but it explains why the company's many competitors failed to grow as big and fast.

During the process, furthermore, Kroc did not go for making a quick buck - by selling franchise rights for a killing or gouging his owner-operators by monopolising what supplies they had to buy from him - and focused instead on treating his suppliers and owner-operators fairly, reasoning that if they could thrive, so would he.No other fast-food chain did that.

Of course, as an autobio, Kroc focuses far more on the bright side of what he has done.He does not ask himself any hard questions and comes off, not surprisingly, as distrusting of the motives of his critics as well as the legitimate concerns of many intellectuals and political activists.While open-minded, we see, he was myopically focused on refining his business model and hence unaware of his impact on the wider society.

Moreover, except for some quotes and quirky details, the business issues are also covered better in McDonald's Behind the Arches, by John F. Love.But then, both are authorised versions of the McDonald's view.The reader will need to look elsewhere for more thoughtful critiques.

Recommended.The curious reader can get a lot from this book.

2 stars for honesty, 0 for inspiration
I bought Ray's book seeking insight into business and the personal qualities of a business man.The book contains little business insight, but is a complete autobiography of one of the most successful enterpreneirs of the century.

Ray Kroc told his story with honesty and enthusiasm, but I am not richer for it.This surprised me, since I deeply believe in the virtues of individual opportunity, and Mr. Kroc lived his life by this creed.

I was left cold by Mr. Kroc's single minded dedication to business during his entire life.Maybe that is what it takes to succeed on the scale that he did, but it isn't something I would wish on somebody I cared about.

Ray's story taught me to make sure that my search for wealth and success does not consume me.

Ray Kroc Lights the Way
Ray Kroc was more than just a successful entrepeneur, he was a man with a vision. In Grinding It Out, that vision is clearly evident. If you want to succeed in virtually any field, read this book & pay attention to his approach & attitude. This is more than a business biography, it's a "how to" book. ... Read more

Isbn: 0312929870
Sales Rank: 36281
Subjects:  1. 1902-    2. Biography    3. Business / Economics / Finance    4. Business/Economics    5. Corporate & Business History - General    6. Industries - Hospitality, Travel & Tourism    7. Kroc, Ray,    8. McDonald's Corporation    9. Restaurateurs    10. United States   

Golden Arches East: McDonald's in East Asia
by James L. Watson
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 December, 1997)
list price: $21.95 -- our price: $15.37
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Editorial Review

What does it mean that McDonald's has become an integral part of daily life throughout East Asia--so muchso, in fact, that many Asians have ceased to consider the American hamburger chain "foreign" at all? Thefive scholars who contribute essays to Golden Arches East have taken a novel approach to culturalanthropology. Call it hamburger historiography, perhaps, but their analysis of McDonald's ascendancy in the East hasmuch to say about both the corporation itself and the changing values of Asian societies. Despite widespread criticismof McDonald's as a symbol of global homogeneity and environmental degradation, not all of these changes have beennegative. In Hong Kong and China, for instance, McDonald's has actually contributed to improving standards ofbathroom cleanliness and table manners, according to the authors. And the transformation has cut both ways;McDonalds itself has been forced to adapt to local culture and tastes. In studying how McDonald's has beenassimilated into Asian societies, Watson et al. provide a fascinating portrait of cultural accommodation, compromise,and change. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Not Your Typical Book About McDonald's Expansionism...
Most books dealing with the spread of American pop culture (and pop business) influences these days like Disney, Coca-Cola and McDonald's have very little good to say about the growth of any of them in previously unexposed markets.That's why, perhaps, it comes as surprising that "Golden Arches East" comes out with a mostly positive look at the effect McDonald's had had throughout East Asia.

In this book, five authors look at the impact McDonald's has had in five different East Asian entities: China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea and Japan.Much of the early chapters is given over to looking at the material aspects of McDonald's in East Asia: the marketing aspects, the reconceptualization towards a standard Asian consumer, the effect on the Asian food industry, etc..All of this makes for very fascinating reading and shows just how marketing has to be changed from country to country (or even region to region).Likewise, it deals with very nuts-and-bolts issues of how McDonald's has impacted the lives of the average Asian consumer - and the impact is bigger than you'd think.

However, later chapters (especially those dealing with Taiwan and Korea and the Afterword) move to more conceptual issues of McDonald's - issues of modernity. Americanization and cultural identity.In an anthropological context (which is what this book tries to maintain), these are all very important, but somehow the later efforts seem to either fall flat or fall back on the line used so often in studying Asia these days, "But things are changing now".

While the overall message of this book is positive, there are the standard overtones of just how much the world has changed in the past half-century.I really recommend this book for the nuts-and-bolts stuff in the first two or three chapters, but the later didacticism tends to fall a little flat.Nonetheless, this book offers useful information to both the business student and the cultural anthropologist.If either East Asia or McDonald's interest you, I recommend giving this book a shot.

Fries taste better in East!
I tasted McDonald's french fries in East Asia.That tastes better than in the US.American french fries are overfried.

Good tale but facile understanding of business environment
An interesting tale of an importnat American icon. But, this book has little understanding of the local competitors that McDonalds and other foreign multinationals face in East Asia, many of whom are quiteformidable.I recommend "New Asian Emperors" by George Haley etal. to understand the complex business environment in East Asia. ... Read more

Isbn: 0804732078
Subjects:  1. Anthropology - Cultural    2. Archaeology / Anthropology    3. Business & Economics    4. Business/Economics    5. Corporate & Business History - General    6. East Asia    7. Ethnic Studies - General    8. Fast food restaurants    9. General    10. McDonald's Corporation    11. Restaurants    12. Social aspects    13. Social life and customs    14. Sociology - General   

McDonald's Collectibles: Happy Meal Toys and Memorabilia 1970 to 1997
by Ruby Richardson David Irving Lesley Irving Ray Richardson
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (01 November, 1997)
list price: $22.99
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Reviews (5)

An IDEAL McDonald's Collectibles Book!
This is one of the best McDonald's collectibles books I've seen!This book includes detailed color pictures, very accurate descriptions, release dates, and an estimated value for a wide variety of McDonald's figuresincluding premuims released in the United States and Internationally.Avery thorough and informative guide to McDonald's fast food toys!

You gotta look at this book! It's got all the toys from 1970
I love this book. I looked at this book in a bookstore. This books has all the toys from 1970 to 1997. I aslo love eating at McDonalds.

MORE GRIMACE!!!
Good book, although they could devote a whole volume to Grimace ... Read more

Isbn: 0785808035
Sales Rank: 392009
Subjects:  1. Advertising    2. Americana    3. Antiques & Collectibles    4. Antiques / Collectibles    5. Antiques/Collectibles    6. Catalogs    7. Collectibles    8. Collectors and collecting    9. General    10. Popular Culture    11. Premiums (Retail trade)    12. Restaurants    13. Toy Arts And Crafts    14. United States   

Tomarts Price Guide to McDonalds Happy Meal Collectibles
by Meredith Williams
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 April, 1992)
list price: $24.95
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Reviews (1)

Turn those McDtoys to cash, find out what their value is.
We all have those little fast food toys from McDonalds..Now you can turn those little goodies to real cash... I never realized what I had just lying around a little loved, and looking for a new home. Finally a up to date price guide from someone who does collect and well knowledged about my collection.Fast and easy to read.I carry it with me at all times for a quick reference to check a possible treasure... A must have for the serious collector.. ... Read more

Isbn: 0914293168
Sales Rank: 1117232
Subjects:  1. Antiques / Collectibles    2. Antiques/Collectibles    3. Dolls    4. Technical & Manufacturing Trades   

McDonald's Deluxe Mealtime Server Set with Apron and Headphones
Average Customer Review:
Toy
-- our price: $12.99
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Reviews (1)

Links non-nutritious food to play
From Teachers Resisting Unhealthy Children's Entertainment: This toy "glamorizes McDonald's, constantly reminds children of the McDonald's brand, and makes unhealthy food a part of children's play."

In addition, "play connected to high-sugar/high-fat foods can lead to poor nutrition, childhood obesity, and can create brand loyalty from an early age." ... Read more

Asin: B000096QDQ
Sales Rank: 8786

McDonald's Restaurant Playset
Average Customer Review:
Toy
list price: $24.99 -- our price: $19.99
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Editorial Review

This fold-out playset comes with 17 pieces and a playmat for lots of fast-food fun. Your child can pretend to run their own McDonalds, just open up the restaurant and put in the cook station, the ordering station, table and chairs, and let the customers in. The set comes with two restaurant workers and a family of three, as well as Ronald McDonald himself. There are other accessories to set out: menus, McDonald's sign, a garbage can, and the most fun of all, there's a slide and a Grimace chair for kids to play on after they eat. The playset folds up and has a handle, and you can fit everything in it, but a large window in the back makes transporting the set this way a little iffy. You'll probably need a bag. --Megan Sullivan ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Links non-nutritious food to play
From Teachers Resisting Unhealthy Children's Entertainment: This toy "glamorizes McDonald's, constantly reminds children of the McDonald's brand, and makes unhealthy food a part of children's play."

In addition, "play connected to high-sugar/high-fat foods can lead to poor nutrition, childhood obesity, and can create brand loyalty from an early age."

I'm definitely NOT lovin' this
I caught this on clearance at the local B&M Toys `R' Us the other day, and found myself appalled by its utter lack of quality and overall cr@ppiness. The minimally-poseable "action" figures that came with this didn't help matters, either. Needless to say, if this were a meal, it would not be a very happy one.

If it were up to me, I'd have given the Mickey-D's playset license to McFarlane Toys. Now THOSE guys know how to put out a wonderfully painted and painstakingly detailed collectible toy, from the coy smirk on the Ronald McDonald statue figure right on down to each little hollow plastic ball in the Play-Land section!

But while McFarlane Toys would do the playset and the cashier & manager figures, and perhaps a special bonus Sam Burke figure (check him out with partner "Twitch" at www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/stores/detail/-/toys/B0001FR1JC/qid%3D1101427280/sr%3D11-1/ref%3Dsr%5F11%5F1/002-1404533-2673658), I'd let other toy companies do the customer figures. For example: Playmates would make a special version of the Simpsons' Comic Book Guy (www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000121B3M/002-1404533-2673658), while MezCo would include "Family Guy" Peter Griffin (www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0002PUCHO/ref=cm_aya_asin.title/002-1404533-2673658?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance) as part of the "celebrity cartoon patrons" subset. I'm pretty sure I could shoehorn Fred Flintstone in there somewhere as well. Heck, I've even got Morgan "Super-Size Me" Spurlock (www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0002OXVBO/qid%3D1101427433/sr%3D11-1/ref%3Dsr%5F11%5F1/002-1404533-2673658) in mind as a super-limited edition "chase" figure!

I tell ya, were this booger done the way I just stated above, it'd sell like hot cakes! Or like an Egg McMuffin. Actually, I like the McGriddles better, myself. Preferably with an OJ and a hash-brown patty...

`Late!

Piece of junk!
We got this last year for our children at Big Lots. They played with it maybe for about 20mins at the most. Things broke and got lost. I would strongly suggest not getting it.
... Read more

Asin: B000096QDR

McDonald's Food Cart with Play Food
Average Customer Review:
Toy
-- our price: $49.99
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Editorial Review

Combining the enduring popularity of pretend food and pretend cash registers with the deep, true love many kids have for McDonald's, this play set seems to be a natural. Measuring almost 40 inches high and a little over 27 inches wide, it features a make-believe cash register, grill, deep fryer, and McFlurry maker. Thirty food accessories, such as burgers, fries, chicken nuggets, and pies, are included. The drive-through window opens and there is storage space in the cupboards beneath. As for the McDonald's association, well, it can work two ways. Either the budding restaurateur will be pining away for a trip to the real golden arches, or they'll be satisfied with a Mickey D's of their own. --John Moe ... Read more

Reviews (34)

Watch your toddlers around this!
Okay for an older child, but beware if you have any curious toddlers around.My son poked his head in one of the "cupboards" and got stuck!Very scary, but luckily hecame out with only a bruise on his cheek.

Links non-nutritious food to play
From Teachers Resisting Unhealthy Children's Entertainment: This toy "glamorizes McDonald's, constantly reminds children of the McDonald's brand, and makes unhealthy food a part of children's play."

In addition, "play connected to high-sugar/high-fat foods can lead to poor nutrition, childhood obesity, and can create brand loyalty from an early age."

DO NOT BUY THIS
DO YOU WANT YOUR KID TO EAT MCDONALDS ALL THE TIME AND END UP UNHYEALTHY? DO NOT BUY THIS TOY. ... Read more

Asin: B0000663PS

McDonald's McFlurry Maker
Average Customer Review:
Toy
list price: $24.99 -- our price: $9.97
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Do your kids have a hankering for a McFlurry soft serve treat? Forget about having to head to the McDonald’s drive-through window. This battery-free McFlurry Maker lets you make these tasty desserts right from home. Once assembled, kids pour half-and-half cream and a packet of McFlurry dessert mix into the metal canister, add the mixing fin and lid, and then pack ice cubes, salt, and warm water around the canister. Kids then attach the lid and handle and mix the contents for about 5 minutes until the ingredients reach a soft consistency. The plunger attachment goes on next and dispenses the McFlurry into a waiting cup, where all there is left to do is add sprinkles and stir. The kit comes with a McFlurry cup with lid, a spoon for stirring, two packets of dessert mix, and two packets of rainbow sprinkles. Refill ingredient packs are sold separately. The dessert maker must be completely disassembled after each use for cleaning and has many small parts that are not dishwasher-safe, which is a bit of an inconvenience. Smaller children will absolutely need a parent’s help to set up and break down this kitchen gadget for each use. --Cristina Vaamonde ... Read more

Features

• Make your own McDonald's McFlurry
• Personal-sized snack bar
• Add dessert mix and turn handle to blend
• Maker includes cup, lid, spoon, plunger and mixing handles
• Comes with 2 packets each of dessert mix and rainbow sprinkles

Reviews (116)

Time For Some Fun With the McDonald's McFlurry Maker
I Alexis
Think that this is a great toy for all people.It is the perfect gift for everyone.

Links non-nutritious food to play
From Teachers Resisting Unhealthy Children's Entertainment: This toy "glamorizes McDonald's, constantly reminds children of the McDonald's brand, and makes unhealthy food a part of children's play."

In addition, "play connected to high-sugar/high-fat foods can lead to poor nutrition, childhood obesity, and can create brand loyalty from an early age."

Hard to assemble but fun treat
The McFlurry Maker was purchased for my 11 year old son, who had wanted it for awhile.He is pretty good at figuring out how things are put together, but got very frustrated on his first attempt to make the McFlurry when the cream came spilling out of the bottom.It took me, a non-mechanically inclined, adult, about 3 tries to finally get it together tight enough and aligned correctly.As with an old fashioned ice cream maker you have to turn the crank handle for 4-6 minutes-a task we took turns at.The 3/4 cup of half and half, and McFlurry mix yielded about 1 cup of McFlurry, which did taste quite good. ... Read more

Asin: B00008YSLM

McDonald's Cash Register
Average Customer Review:
Toy
list price: $24.99 -- our price: $19.99
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Editorial Review

This all-inclusive McDonald's cash register set packs enough fun to swaykids into working for the Golden Arches one day. That may be the plan of itsmanufacturer, but for now its familiar colors and objects make it a greatpretend-play toy. The set includes everything from a Mickey D's cash registerwith a beeping, flashing scanner to a hot fudge sundae. Kids will really feelthe part wearing the included McDonald's visor or intercom/headset, which says10 phrases, including the one we've all heard: "Welcome to McDonald's. May Itake your order?" Other pieces include supplies for making a cheeseburger "valuemeal," and currency and credit cards featuring Ronald's face. --DianeBeall ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Best birthday present he got!!
I have to say this cash register, and all it's great accessories, were the best presents my son got for his 2nd birthday.We had been looking for a cash register because he was really into things with buttons and that made noises and he knows that McDonald's is the place we go to get fries so it seemed like a great gift for him.

We were right!Once he saw what was under the wrapping paper he had to get everything out of the box and immediately put on the hat and started playing with the walkie talkie and then he got hold of the cash register and started trying to figure out how to open the money part (i did decide to take away the coins and money though just so he wouldn't try to swallow them) and he wanted to find out everything about this toy.He figured out how to make the noise when he zipped the credit card through it and found out that if you push the button on the scanner it lights up and makes a scanning noise.That birthday was in August and it's now mid March and he still plays with this thing at least once a day!For $19.99 you can't beat that.

I gave it 4 stars for durability though because the cover on the money box part came off.Actually I think my son, the destructive 2 year old that he is, ripped it off but I would have liked for it to have been a little more securely attached.But again, it's $19.99 which is a savings of around $20 off the Leap Frog cash register, which we also looked at, and it does a lot more so I'm not too worried about it.Great toy if your child is at the age where they are starting to do pretend play!

A good time for your future restauranteur
My 6yo son got this toy for Christmas in conjunction with the drive-through set, and while it doesn't fit on the surface of that toy very well, it's a great pretend "restaurant" set-up.I was really amazed that the cash register actually is a working calculator! And of course, little kids love wearing the hat and earpiece - it looks so cute on!The one big complaint I'd have is the quality of the play money.There are 2 sets of one quarter, one dime, and one nickel all glued together, and a fake $1, $5, and $10 bill each. One each!And they're glued to the package and they tear when you try to take them out! The little plastic sundae looked almost good enough to eat! One caveat: Make sure to not lose the key to the cash register drawer, or else it's impossible to lock or unlock it.I recommend supplementing this with some fake toy money if you're trying to teach your child about counting money, but it's still a very high-functioning, fun, and realistic toy that my son really enjoys and plays with a lot.

Dial 'M' for McDonalds
My 4 year old nephew thoroughly enjoyed this toy, the fake fries and money keeping him occupied for hours on end... especially when he picked up the phrase "Would you like fries with that?" How we laughed... until he'd said it 10 times in a row which is when we wondered if we had made the right decision in buying this for the little tyke - especially seeing as he was getting more spotty and developing greasy hair!

All in all, it kept him quiet - so 4 stars for that; 1 star from me though as it made us feel old before our years and suddenly realised that this is what he may be doing in 14 years time...

Durable but age endearing! ... Read more

Asin: B00005EBCK
Subjects:  1. Pretend Play    2. Play Sets